Obituary: Frank D. Cwidak

March 20, 1924 - June 18, 2007

March 20, 1924 - June 18, 2007

June 20, 2007

SOUTH BEND - Frank D. Cwidak understood the important things in life and lived for them. He was in tune with nature. He loved his gardening and was most happy when pruning his indoor plants or marveling at his summer tomato crop. Each season he welcomed with appreciation. He was as awed by a blanket of snow as he was by the summer sun, and by the spring breeze and the color of the fall leaves. He loved just sitting on his porch which graced the front of his house that he, as a young man, built with his father. His family was his first joy. He adored his great-grandchildren, "Sweet Petutie," Carlie, and the newest member of the family, Brayden. He deeply loved his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Herbie, Michael and Emily to whom he was not only "Grandpa" but also "The Dzias." To listen to him, they were perfect gifts given to him. He loved his children, Paulette, Charlotte, Annette and Frank Jr., but most importantly his children felt that he "knew" them. A very intuitive, smart man, each conversation his children had with him was one that made them feel his love and his understanding of who they were. Most importantly, he loved Mimi, his wife for 62 years this August 4th. It seemed almost every gathering around the family table would lead to his telling and retelling of how he sought her out, and how he would not return to WWII without her as his bride. Dancing with her was another of his greatest joys. He was a good man with a wonderful sense of humor, who believed in God and who leaves a legacy for his family. It is in the love of daily living that we find our joy. Frank D. Cwidak is survived by his three sisters, Alice Cleppe, Delphine Plencner and MaryJane Manuszak. His mother, Mary, and father, Walter, and brother, Leonard, predeceased him. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 319 S. Main St., South Bend, IN 46601; or to Pet Refuge Inc., 2300 W. 6th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, June 20, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday in St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend. For those who are unable to attend the funeral liturgy, condolences for the family may be made to www.sjfh.net.